Down to 'About' 10 Dems for Gillibrand's Seat

ALBANY—Of the 34 who expressed interest publicly or privately, a Democratic official said the actual number of applicants who formally submitted their names to replace Kirsten Gillibrand in Congress is much lower.

"We've got about 10 credible candidates," said Tom Poelker, chairman of the Greene County Democratic Committee. "A number of people dropped out. Some of them were, I think, just looking for their 15 minutes of fame. Like Andy Warhol said."

A source close to the process said that attorney Carol Schrager, former-anchorwoman Tracy Egan and Assemblyman Tim Gordon are among the candidates. M. Tracey Brooks, the director of Family Planning Advocates, who sources had said was gauging support for a run, is not on the list. Neither is former Rangers goalie Mike Richter.

Poelker said the 10 county chairs in the area will begin doing phone interviews tonight, with in-person interviews on Sunday.  He repeated his hope: a candidate by kick-off.

Earlier this week, Republicans designed Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco to be their candidate.  A special election has not yet been called by the governor, though the Republican State Chairman Joe Mondello called on him to do so immediately.